A military official said Monday that the joint exercise, which will begin Tuesday and involve thousands of ground, sea and air force vehicles and personnel, will prepare soldiers for "preserving the current stability in the northern sector."

IDF prepares for its largest millitary drill in almost 20 years (Photo: IDF, EPA, Yoav Zitun)

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with IDF regulations, said the drill will run through for 11 days, from Sept. 4th to Sept. 14th.

Among other systems of advaned weaponry, the exercise will incorporate Israel's multi-layered missile defense systems.

Air Defense forces take positions ahead of the drill (Photo: IDF)

Similar to other major IDF exercises in recent years, this imaginary incident also begins with an offensive initiated by the enemy—Hezbollah—against the Galilee Division.

Drones to also take part in the drill (Photo: IDF)

The IDF will respond to the "attack" in three stages: defense measures over the first few days, including counter-attacks and the deployment of defense forces akin to an air strike; an offensive attack as a second stage, with extensive ground maneuvers; and a change of mission statement as the third and last stage, in an aim to push enemy forces back into Lebanon.

IAF soldiers prepare a helicopter for the drill (Photo: IDF)

"Hezbollah's initial attack" will be expressed as a simulated invasion of dozens of IDF fighters into Israeli territory and infiltration into one of the border communities. Home Front Command forces will practice the evacuation of civilians from threatened communities, as soldiers act the part of civilians in distress.

Israeli Navy gearing up for the exercise (Photo: IDF)

The southern Galilee will serve as southern Lebanon during the days of the drill, from Route 85 southward.